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Barbara Soky: The Screen Icon Who Defined Nigerian Television Drama

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Barbara Soky is a veteran Nigerian actress and singer whose performances in the 1980s and 1990s made her a household name. She remains one of the defining faces of the golden era of Nigerian television drama.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Barbara Soky first attracted public attention as Rosemary Hart in Inside Out, an NTA drama that gave her an early platform. While often described as her “first major role,” records suggest she had appeared in smaller productions before this breakthrough, making Inside Out one of her earliest but not necessarily her debut television appearance. Her natural charm and screen presence quickly set her apart and prepared the stage for the iconic roles that followed.

Rise to Stardom

Her portrayal of Yinka Fawole in Mirror in the Sun, one of Nigeria’s most beloved soap operas of the 1980s, established her as a national star. Alongside actors such as Funsho Adeolu and Clarion Chukwura, Soky brought life to family drama that resonated across Nigerian households.

She went on to play Daphne Wellington-Cole in Ripples (1988–1993), another landmark NTA production created by Zeb Ejiro. The series became a staple of evening television, and Soky’s sophisticated performance helped shape its enduring popularity.

Music Career

In 1986, at the height of her acting fame, Soky explored a different side of her artistry by releasing the album Going Places. The project leaned into pop and highlife influences, reflecting the musical tastes of urban Nigeria at the time. While not as commercially enduring as her acting career, the record added to her reputation as a multi-talented entertainer.

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Hiatus and Return

After years of success, Soky took a step back from the limelight in the late 1990s. Her extended hiatus left fans nostalgic for her screen presence. Reports suggest her return began gradually in the 2000s with roles in Nollywood films, though her high-profile re-entry was much later, with the reboot Ripples: The New Generation, which premiered in 2023. Her reappearance connected a new generation of viewers with the legacy of Nigerian television drama.

Legacy

Barbara Soky’s career reflects the golden era of Nigerian soap operas, when family dramas like Mirror in the Sun and Ripples defined evening entertainment. She stands as a bridge between early television drama and modern Nollywood, remembered for her elegance, versatility, and pioneering contributions to Nigeria’s screen culture.

Her story is one of reinvention: a star who dominated television in the 1980s, explored music in the mid-1980s, stepped away at her peak, and later returned to reconnect with audiences who never forgot her.

Sources:
Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) archives (Mirror in the Sun, Ripples)
Daily Times of Nigeria (1980s

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Guinness World Record reacts to BBNaija Queen’s bread-inspired outfit at the 12th AMVCA

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Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Queen Mercy Atang, may be heading for a global record conversation after Guinness World Records reacted to her viral bread-inspired outfit worn at the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.

In a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, Guinness World Records reacted in the comment section saying, “Well, we do have a record for the largest cake dress … hmmm.”

Former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Queen Atang in her bread outfit at the 12th edition of AMVCA in Lagos…Photo Credit: Ig/ QueenMercyAtang

Reacting to the comment, the reality star wrote, “Hello @guinnessworldrecords, I see you in the comment section”

The development has further amplified conversations around her unconventional AMVCA appearance, which has continued to dominate social media and fashion discussions days after the event.

According to Guinness World Records, the current record for the world’s largest wearable cake dress stands at 131.15kg (289lb 13oz).

The record was achieved by Natasha Coline Kim Fah Lee Fokas of SweetyCakes GmbH in Bern, Switzerland, on January 15, 2023.

Former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Queen Atang in her bread outfit at the 12th edition of AMVCA in Lagos…Photo Credit: Ig/ QueenMercyAtang

Queen’s bread-themed costume had earlier sparked widespread reactions online after she appeared on the AMVCA red carpet dressed in an outfit designed to resemble loaves of bread, complete with a matching prop.

Explaining the inspiration behind the look, Queen said the outfit reflected her entrepreneurial journey in the food business.

“AMVCA 2026 ready. I come as an entrepreneur who runs a bread EMPIRE,” she wrote at the time, referencing her bakery brand.

Former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Queen Atang in her bread outfit at the 12th edition of AMVCA in Lagos…Photo Credit: Ig/ QueenMercyAtang

On Monday, the reality star also proposed the introduction of a special entrepreneurs-focused event at the AMVCA.

In an open letter addressed to MultiChoice Group and Africa Magic, she wrote, “Just a thought, since we already have the AMVCA Cultural Day and other special events before the main award night, would it be possible to create a special night dedicated to entrepreneurs in Nigeria to showcase their brands, creativity, and impact?

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“Imagine AMVCA Nigerian Entrepreneurs Night. Massive, classy, and inspiring.”

The bread dress has since attracted international attention, with foreign fashion influencers and media platforms reportedly discussing the concept.

Former Big Brother Naija Housemate, Queen Atang in her bread outfit at the 12th edition of AMVCA in Lagos…Photo Credit: Ig/ QueenMercyAtang

The trend has also inspired several entrepreneurs online, many of whom have used AI-generated designs to recreate brand-themed outfits and AMVCA-inspired fashion concepts.

While some Nigerians criticised the outfit as excessive, others, including PR and branding experts, described it as a strategic marketing move that successfully drew global attention to her business.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Queen’s appearance at the AMVCA generated mixed reactions, with videos from the red carpet showing her adjusting the elaborate outfit while interacting with guests and posing for photographs.

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Olubadan seeks integration of traditional medicine with modern healthcare

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The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja on Wednesday advocated the integration of traditional medicine with orthodox healthcare to improve healthcare delivery and preserve indigenous medical knowledge.

The monarch made the call while receiving executive members of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Oyo State branch, at the Olubadan Palace.

According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, the Olubadan said traditional medicine remained effective, accessible and affordable for many Nigerians.

“I believe in the efficacy of traditional medicine, its accessibility and affordability. So, let me use this period to advocate for the integration of traditional medicine with modern medicine for the enhancement of virile healthcare delivery before the exit of the traditional medical practitioners,” the monarch said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Oyo State branch of the PSN, Segun Ajanaku, said the delegation visited the palace to congratulate the monarch on his ascension to the throne and to appreciate him for achievements recorded within a short period of his reign.

Ajanaku also informed the monarch about the completion of a pharmacists’ story building in Ibadan, which he described as the first of its kind in Nigeria.

“We respectfully invite Your Imperial Majesty to the inauguration of the building on May 21, 2026,” he said.

He further sought the monarch’s approval for the association to organise its annual medical outreach at the palace on September 25, 2026.

Dignitaries present at the event included the Oba Kolawole Adegbola, Oba Mobolaji Adewoyin, and the Muibi Ademola, among other traditional title holders.

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HELP SAVE A LIFE — SUPPORT FOR RASAQ SHERIFAT FOLASHADE

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Rasaq Sherifat Folashade has been battling Multiple Sclerosis, paralysis, and stroke complications for over 8 years. The prolonged health challenges have taken a severe emotional, physical, and financial toll on her and her loved ones.

Today, she urgently needs financial support for medical care, treatment, medications, rehabilitation, and daily survival.

In her words:
“Please help me. I don’t want to lose hope or give up on life.”

We kindly appeal to compassionate individuals, organizations, friends, and the general public to come to her aid with any amount possible. No contribution is too small, and every support can make a meaningful difference.

DONATION DETAILS:
Bank: GTBank
Account Number: 0034233857
Account Name: Rasaq Sherifat Folashade

Please share this message widely to help save a life.

May God bless and reward everyone who supports this cause.

 

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